The foot is an important muscle when it comes to most athletic activities. Therefore, it is important for athletes to not neglect working out the foot muscles. There are a number of positive benefits to working out the feet. These include increased stability, control, and power. Working out the feet will also help prevent injuries to the foot by increasing durability. Exercises that work out the feet include toe raises, toe curls, and calf raises to name some more common ones. Once finished, rolling out the foot with a tennis ball or foam roller is advised. If you do decide to start doing foot exercises, it is important to start slow and know what type of foot you have. For those with flat feet, it is recommended to wear shoes that provide good support.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with yOur doctor to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual.

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our office located Tuscaloosa, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, can be very painful and uncomfortable. While stretching won’t get rid of the pain, it can help mitigate it. Some stretches that you can perform include the quadruped stretch, isolated calf raise, and even a foot massage. Before you do these, ask your podiatrist whether stretching is right for you. To do a quadruped stretch, get on all fours and spread your toes on the floor. Next, lean back slowly and sit on your heels while holding this position for 30 seconds and three sets. For isolated calf raises, lunge with your left leg forward and right leg back. Then, with your right foot flat, lift up onto the ball of your right foot. Do this for 10-15 reps on each side for three repetitions. To massage your foot, push down on the center of the bottom of the foot and use a circular motion while applying pressure. These stretches will not get rid of plantar fasciitis and are only meant to temporarily reduce pain. If you have heel pain, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment strategies.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Dr. Robert Hope from Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Arsenal Football Club forward Alexis Sanchez recently sustained an ankle injury while training with the Chilean soccer team. He was seen leaving the training field with an ice pack on his left ankle. Sanchez is being monitored by medical personnel, but they are confident he can play past the pain. Arsenal has lost several games already; potentially losing one of their best players will be a tough blow to the Gunners.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciosis

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running has many positive health benefits associated with it, yet it's not uncommon for runners to get hurt from the activity. Thankfully, there are several easy actions one can take to prevent potential injury. While it’s important to stretch before you run, not many people realize that stretching after a run is important as well. This prevents the muscles from shortening and tightening up. Running on natural surfaces can also be easier on the joints. Alternatively, starting on a treadmill or sidewalk isn’t bad. Take it slow the first time you run; pushing yourself too hard can lead to injury. Finally, a good pair of shoes that aren’t too cushioned and are well fitted are great for your feet and can prevent foot pain. Running injuries always have the potential to occur, but following these steps can help significantly prevent them. Just remember to consult with a podiatrist first about running and whether it is right for you.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Dr. Robert Hope of Riverside Podiatry. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Tuscaloosa, AL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.